The aroma of freshly baked Christmas Pinwheel Cookies fills the air, bringing warmth and festive cheer to any holiday gathering. easy chocolate cake mix cookies The vibrant swirls of color and rich flavor make these cookies not just a treat but an experience to savor. For more inspiration, check out this Ultimate Chocolate Cake recipe.
I remember the first time I attempted making these delightful cookies. My family gathered around, eager to taste my creation, peppering me with requests for extra sprinkles and colorful frosting. colorful fruit parfaits
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a breeze to prepare, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- Their colorful layers and festive design make them a visual delight for any holiday table
- Each bite offers a sweet explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings or toppings, they’re a true crowd-pleaser
One Christmas, my cousin declared them “the best cookies ever,” which might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but hey, who am I to argue when it comes to sweet compliments? For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Easter Cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple in cookie baking; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crispy edge.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a creamy dough.
- Eggs: Just one egg brings everything together beautifully; opt for large eggs for consistent results.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor; skip imitation for a richer taste.
- Food Coloring: Get creative! Red and green are classic, but feel free to experiment with your favorite shades.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting or frosting, it adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate one large egg and pure vanilla extract into the mixture. Beat until fully combined; this step is crucial for blending flavors seamlessly.
Sift in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add all-purpose flour while mixing at low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing as this can lead to tough cookies.
Create Colorful Layers: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add food coloring to one half, kneading gently until you achieve your desired shade; repeat with the second half if using multiple colors.
Roll out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each colored dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness so they bake evenly.
Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay one layer on top of another gently pressing down before rolling them tightly from one end to create a log shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Slice and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 inch rounds and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
Enjoy baking these delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! They’ll fill your home with festive joy while treating your taste buds to an unforgettable experience! cheesecake brownies for dessert.
You Must Know
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer
- Their vibrant colors and swirls make them perfect for holiday gatherings, and they offer a fun baking activity for family members of all ages
- Plus, they’re great for gifting!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and chilling it for at least an hour. Roll it out evenly to create those beautiful pinwheels before slicing and baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the food coloring or use different flavored extracts like peppermint or almond to give your cookies a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Pinwheel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. fun popcorn mix for parties For longer storage, freeze them layered with parchment paper.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve uniform slices, use a sharp knife and apply gentle pressure when cutting
- Allow the dough to chill completely before slicing for clean edges
- Experiment with flavors by adding zest or spices to the dough for more depth
Baking these cookies always reminds me of the time my niece and I spent hours decorating them with sprinkles. Her giggles filled the kitchen, making every swirl even brighter.
FAQ
What is the best way to color the dough?
Divide the dough into portions and gradually mix in gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the dough up to three days in advance before rolling it out.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading while baking?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your cookie dough before baking.
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Bring holiday cheer to your gatherings with these delightful Christmas Pinwheel Cookies! Bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors, these cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Easy to make and customizable, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red and green)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add flour at low speed until just mixed; avoid over-mixing.
- Divide dough into two parts, adding food coloring to each half as desired.
- Roll out each colored dough into rectangles on a floured surface (1/4 inch thick).
- Stack the layers, press gently, then roll tightly into a log shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into 1/4 inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (15g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
